Universal has been offering the finest in amateur and shortwave equipment from central Ohio for over 60 years. Universal was founded in 1942 by F.R. "Gibby" Gibb W8IJ. Universal Service, as it was then called, was located on North Third Street in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Universal Radio is currently located in a 10,000 square foot facility in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, a suburb east of Columbus, Ohio.

Universal Radio carries all major lines of amateur and shortwave radio equipment, antennas and accessories. In recent years other product lines have been added to include:   scanners, CB, solar products and weather instruments. Universal also offers an excellent selection of radio related books.

Universal Radio is a member of the Columbus Better Business Bureau and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.